Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder (sometimes referred to as ‘BED’ for short) is a relatively new diagnosis in the world of eating disorders. This doesn’t mean it’s just come into being, and people are only now showing symptoms, but more because it’s so prevalent it’s been recognised as an illness in its own right. Hopefully this will mean Binge Eating Disorder will become more widely understood causing help and support to be more readily available to those who need it.

But what is it? In many respects Binge Eating Disorder is similar to Bulimia Nervosa with regard to extreme bingeing behaviours and secretive eating, but unlike Bulimia, those affected by Binge Eating Disorder do not typically engage in purging, such as self-induced vomiting, compulsive exercising or laxative abuse.